Question Option1 Option2 Option3 Option4 Correct Explain

We're going to be late for the ECL. We HAVE TO hurry. must might can should opt1 modals HAVE TO = MUST
current state or condition mass noun THE
That bread _____ stale. Don't try to eat it. am are is were opt3 BREAD IS….
Yesterday, I _____ tardy for class because my car
wouldn't start. was werewill be am opt1 yesterday = past tense Yesterday I WAS….
understa
He had to go to the hospital because he had an _____. original accident nding idea opt2 Only "accident" makes sense here.
my my car I want to I need to
tooth needs cash a cook Bank should involve MONEY. CASH a CHECK
I need to go to the bank because…. aches gas check. lunch. opt3 for the MONEY.
That bird looks very UNUSUAL. Yes, it looks _____. common strange ordinary nice opt2 unusual = strange = not ordinary = not common
The tallest student in the class _____ Lt. Jones. are were is am opt3 simple subject = student The student is….
We could hear the FAINT sound of a child's voice (adjective) faint = very soft (verb) faint = pass
calling for help. loud soft constant terrifying opt2 out = black out = lose consciousness
takes two-word verb LEAVE = TAKE OFF past
The plane LEFT the airport at 0900. take over took on took off across opt3 tense = IT TOOK OFF
For breakfast this morning, I _____ five boiled eggs. eat was eat eating ate opt4 past tense I ATE
are right now = present progressive PLURAL
Right now, the children ______ baseball in the park. are play plays playing playing opt3 THE children ARE PLAYING.
The police _____ here to arrest you for having a low
ECL. is am are was opt3 police = PLURAL THEY ARE here.
last week = past tense ireegular verb BUY
BOUGHT BOUGHT Last week SHE BOUGHT
My mother _____ a used Ferrari last week. buy bayed buying bought opt4 something.
I was born _____ August. at on of in opt4 A month by itself takes IN.
The students WERE REQUIRED TO take another ECL were = past tense. The only choice in the past is
test. They ______ do it. had to has to have to having to opt1 HAD TO. They HAD TO DO something.
It _____ twenty minutes to drive from here to the was third perwson singular present tense IT
airport. takes taking taken take opt1 TAKES….
Dust is a mass noun. THE DUST IS…. Only
is does the progressive is possible here. The dust is
A lot of dust _____ through the open window! Close it! come is come coming coming opt3 DOING something.
midnight = 12:00 at night Twelve hours later is
What comes exactly 12 hours after midnight? morning noon evening sunrise opt2 12:00 noon.
The last test was not easy. In fact, it was extremely
_____. difficult short painless cheap opt1 not easy = difficult = hard
He is a ROBBER. thief teacher soldier banker opt1 robber = thief= someone who steals = bandit
It is
This handout is not short. It is hard. easy. It is long. It is brief. opt3 not short = long
How did she hurt herself? She _____ down when the
bus made an abrupt stop. feel fall felt fell opt4 FALL FELL FALLEN (simple past = FALL)
an an
When snow starts cascading down the side of a avalanch earthqua avalanche = snow falling rapidly down the side of
mountain, we call it _____. a flood e a stream ke opt2 a mountain
 method of transportation BY plane BY ship
How did you get from your country to San Antonio? in plane on plane by plane of plane opt3 BY car BY taxi
The most common color for snow is _____. black red green white opt4 Snow is white. (We hope)
miserabl unhappy = not happy = sad = depressed = about
What is the opposite of unhappy? e sad angry happy opt4 to cry?

is Last night = past tense. Irregular verb SLEEP

Last night, I _____ for nine hours. sleep sleeping slept is sleep opt3 SLEPT SLEPT Last night, I SLEPT….

POLICE = plural The police are. If you want a

The police _____ coming to investigate the robbery in singular, you can say: the policeman is The
just a few minutes. is were was are opt4 policewoman is…. The police officer is…..
science or nature present tense HUMANS
Humans _____ oxygen to survive. needs needing are need need opt4 (THEY) need something.
Joe bought a new car in Houston. He paid cash for pronoun reference He bought a car. He
IT. The word "IT" refers to ____. Joe car cash he opt2 paid for IT. IT refers to the car.

No matter where you live, you need _____ access to a quicknes "Access" is a noun. Modify it with an adjective.
hospital. quickly quick s quickest opt2 What kind of access? QUICK access.
The teacher _____ all day yesterday preparing new yesterday = past tense third person singular
handouts for you. work worked works working opt2 THE TEACHER WORKED….
The wind is _____ very hard. running passing blowing doing opt3 The wind BLOWS.
When frozen stuff starts to warm up, it MELTS
If you leave ice cream out in the sun, it will _____. melt freeze sneeze pelt opt1 (THAWS).
It's mine It's me It's my possessive adjectives. It's my book. Or It's
Whose book is that? It's my. book. book. book. opt4 mine. (possessive pronoun)
The Empire State Building is located _____ New York
City. in on at to opt1 Something is IN a city IN a country IN a town
If I finish my homework early,I _____ to the gym and will should IF clause FUTURE might = possibility
work out. going might go are go to go opt2 (WILL = future certainty)
The price of cars and boasts _____ very high right
now. is are am were opt1 The simple subject is "price." THE PRICE IS….
correct formation of questions action verb
(mean) present tense simple subject. This
word means something. WHAT DOES THIS
What _____ this word mean? are is does do opt3 WORD MEAN?
I was unable to go to the movie with my friends last I didn't I won't I can't Last Night = past tense. Only answer B is in the
night. I will go. go. go. go. opt2 past. If I was unable to go, then I didn't go.
I am very hungry. I need _____. rest water food money opt3 hungry for food thirsty for water
ankle- wade = to walk, usually with the water not higher
We cannot wade across the river because it is_____. deep shallow narrow deep opt1 than your knees.

What is the normal color of most grass in the summer? black green red white opt2 grass = vegetation, usually green

It was EXTREMELY cold last night. very not a little bit not very opt1 extremely = very= awfully = terribly
 small
great big correctio minor error = mistake = wrong answer serious = big
I made a SERIOUS ERROR on the math test. score mistake n problem opt2 = major
today is the car the food
he is Saturday won't was Of these four answers, the only thing to explain a
Why is the baby crying? Because _____. hungry. . start. good. opt1 baby's crying would be the HUNGER.

It was QUITE hot yesterday. very not a little bit not very opt1 quite = very= extremely = really
It is It is It is It is
The river is not wide. deep. shallow. narrow. frozen. opt3 Opposite of wide is NARROW.
Water freezes and becomes ICE. (Steam and
If the water is frozen, it is _____. ice hot steam boiling opt1 boiling are associated with HOT liquids.)
My father died _____ April 17, 1989. at on in of opt2 specific date Use ON.
I _____ late for class yesterday. am were are was opt4 yesterday = past tense I WAS….
There was a chemical spill in the TAIL of the jet. The
spill was in the _____. rear nose wing cockpit opt1 tail = rea = aft = back part = (ship) stern
Yesterday, the news about the earthquakes in Iran and yesterday = past tense THE NEWS = singular
Mexico _____ bad. are is was be opt3 THE NEWS WAS BAD.

Today's class was _____ than yesterday's. funner as fun more fun funnest opt3 comparison more fun than

The cake is TASTY. It is _____. delicious awful terrible very bad opt1 tasty = tastes good = delicious
more more
bigger biggest bigger comparison one-syllable adjective ONE
Brazil is _____ Peru. than than big than than opt4 THING IS -er THAN ANOTHER.
The next book quiz will be _____ Wednesday. at on in of opt2 Day by itself takes ON.
plural subject future (next week)
Several soldiers _____ being reassigned to this unit PROGRESSIVE PASSIVE THEY ARE BEING
next week. was are am were opt2 REASSIGNED….
My brother and sister _____ older than I am. are am was is opt1 plural subject THEY ARE….
"want" is followed by an infinitive. The student
WANTS TO LOOK AT page 4-19 of Book 34 for a
good list of verbs followed by infinitives versus
I want _____ to a movie tonight. go to go going for going opt2 verbs followed by gerunds.
A dog usually likes to chase cats, and a cat usually
likes to chase _____. trucks horses buildings mice opt4 Cats would chase mice, not the other 3 objects.
modal Put simple form after a modal. You
What will you _____ tomorrow night? doing do done to do opt2 will DO what?
What is the SUBJECT of her speech? length purpose topic source opt3 subject = topic = what you are talking about
When you are finished with your conversation, _____ hanging hanged instructions or orders in the imperative
the phone. hang up hung up up up opt1 (You) hang up the phone.
Opposite of expensive = cheap costly =
Is this CD player very expensive? No, it is _____. cheap nice costly priceless opt1 expensive
seasons of the year FALL = AUTUMN
My favorite season of the year is AUTUMN. winter spring summer fall opt4 (Sepptember, October, November in the U.S.)
 he
wants the car the food
he is entertain won't was hood = the part of the car that you lift up to look
Why is Joe looking under the hood? Because _____. hungry. ment. start. good. opt3 at the engine.
vapor = steam Choices A, B, and D all involve
If the water is vaporized, we can call it _____. ice frozen steam cold opt3 COLD. Only C involves HEAT.
If I ______ you, I would be more careful with my have IF clause. Unreal present. Subjunctive. If I
answers. was am been were opt4 were you….
The train will arrive _____ 0955. on in to at opt4 specific exact time

my my I have a My shin
tooth elbow pain in is very
I need to go to the dentist because aches. hurts
my ankle sore. opt1 dentist = person who works on the TEETH.
has
was been
discover discover discover
America ________ by Columbus in 1492. discover ed ed ed opt3 passive voice
combined amount of time. Use "for" in these
I have been AT DLI ________ six months. since during at for opt4 kinds of present perfect sentences.
DRAPES = CURTAINS window coverings
made of cloth (fabric) NOTE: Rugs and
carpets are basically the same, so answers A and
What color are the DRAPES in your room? rugs walls carpets curtains opt4 C cancel each other out.
handsom intelligen
The boss is very ANGRY. She is _______. upset happy e t opt1 ANGRY = upset, not happy, not pleased
If I _____ ECL-qualified, I would not have to do these
exercises. was were am has been opt2 IF clause UNREAL present If I WERE….
If you check your dictionary, you'll find that these
Dikes, dams, and levees are all intended to control temperat are all engineering structures constructed to hold
_____. speed ure prices water opt4 back large amounts of water.
After certain VERBS of URGENCY, a "that" clause
takes a subjunctive (simple) form. The airline
The policeman ordered that Joe _____ out of the car have to agent insisted that Steve CHECK IN at the counter
with his hands up. gets got get get opt3 two hours prior to departure.
simple form of a verb after a MODAL WILL
The next ECL will _____ easy. being be being be to be opt3 BE MIGHT BE SHOULD BE
aren't tag question If you have negative in the main
You are not very happy today,________? are you you do you don't you opt1 clause, put affirmative in the tag.
It is not It is not It is not
This car is very expensive. old. costly. cheap. It is fast. opt2 expensive = not cheap = costly
Neither the animals nor their keeper _____ killed in the have In a "neither--nor" structure, the verb agrees with
fire. were are been was opt4 the subject part closer to it. "Keeper was"
We have to take another test on Friday. We ______
take another test. might should must can opt3 modals HAVE TO = MUST
You OUGHT TO see the movie "Saving Private Ryan" modals ought to = should
as soon as possible. You ______ see that movie. must have to will should opt4 (recommendation…advice)
The homework _____ easy last night was is are am opt1 past tense (last night)
You would STAB with a knife, not with the other 3
He stabbed his victim with a _____. rope knife gun table opt2 objects.
subject verb agreement One person IS
I see one empty desk. Who _____ absent today? be is am is being opt2 absent. Who IS it?
A person who is broke does not have any _____. health time needs money opt4 idiom to be BROKE = no money
The student next to me tried to copy from my paper.
He was trying to _____. cheat cheer chime chore opt1 To copy someone else's answer is CHEATING.
more
gooder more better good comparative forms GOOD BETTER BEST
American English is _____ British English. than better than than opt3 One thing is better than another.

Joe said that we have to be at Lab 3 before 0800, hasn't tag question Joe said…didn't he? Affirmative
_____? we didn't he did he hasn't he opt2 in the main clause needs negative in the tag.
Be careful! You are _____ danger if you don't leave fixed expression to be IN danger. Opposite:
now. in of for to opt1 out of danger

When will Lt. Smith be able to retire _____ the Army? of with by from opt4 You RETIRE FROM a job.

ON time means not late. If you are late but you

I was a little late for my appointment, but I still got still get to do something because they waited for
there _____ time for the doctor to see me. on at in with opt3 you, you get there IN time for something.
I am sick _____ all the political ads on tv. by with for of opt4 fixed expression to be sick OF something
Cats like to sleep all day and prowl the neighborhoods in the morning in the afternoon in the
_____ night. in during at on opt3 evening BUT at night

I would never run _____ political office. of to with for opt4 fixed expression to run for an office or position
We might be able to travel quickly to the moon _____
the future. of in to on opt2 a period of time IN the past In the future
I want you to accompany us. Come _____ with us. over above along through opt3 phrasal verb come along with
He is serving as a cabinet member _____ present. in at on during opt2 at present or at the present time
fixed expression AT once, meaning without
Report to the Colonel _____ once! at on in to opt1 delay, without hesitation
All of these prepositions questions were written _____
Mr. Williams. to at of by opt4 passive voice
You BLAME someone FOR doing something
He blamed me _____ the accident. to of with for opt4 wrong.
We play ON a name, because our names can be
written ON the team roster, ON the paper that
Lt. Jones wants to play _____ the basketball team. in to on at opt3 lists our names.
We will participate _____ the parade next week. on in at to opt2 You participate IN an activity.
Musicians have to spend most of their time _____ the fixed expression Traveling ON the road by bus
road. on in of for opt1 or car or van.
 He walks WITH the aid of a cane. Opposite is
My leg still hurts. I can't walk anywhere _____ a cane. for to without through opt3 WITHOUT.
ABOARD means to be on a large vehicle like a
There are only 9 people _____ the bus right now. along among aboard across opt3 plane, bus, train, ship, space shuttle
place TURN AT the sign TURN AT the
Turn right _____ the next intersection. on at to for opt2 traffic light.
He told some jokes _____ me. at with to in opt3 You TELL something TO someone.
You can't go swimming in the river _____ the winter. to from of in opt4 IN one of the four seasons
You must stay today _____ 3:30. until since before during opt1 STAY UNTIL a certain time is reached.
association noun OF noun The role OF
What is the job _____ a drill sergeant? to with by of opt4 a leader
Please write the rough draft of your essay _____ in ink in pencil If you want to use "with," you
pencil. with in to for opt2 have to say "with A pencil."
He hit me _____ his dictionary, and it was the first time The tool or weapon is given. He shot me WITH
he had ever used it for anything. with to by at opt1 a rifle.
Do you believe _____ ghosts? at in of to opt2 fixed expression You BELIEVE IN something.
We will have another test _____ Friday. on at in with opt1 day of the week by itself
for -ing Something is used to cut Used (in
Scissors are used _____ cutting paper. for at to with opt1 order) to do something

Don't brag _____ your accomplishments. Let other fixed expression You BRAG ABOUT something.
people do that. to since with about opt4 But you can BOAST OF or BOAST ABOUT it.
fixed expression DISAPPOINTED IN but
I am disappointed _____ you! in of to for opt1 PROUD OF
preposition of manner You do something
WITH a certain attitude WITH GUSTO
I will do it _____ pleasure. to since with at opt3 WITH RELUCTANCE WITH ENTHUSIASM
The robber snuck up _____ me and held a gun to my If he sneaks up and touches your back, he has to
back. with behind above from opt2 be BEHIND you.
It's a place, so you can be AT the place. AT
My wife is _____ work right now. at in to on opt1 school AT home
Who do you think you are---The Queen _____ noun OF noun structure the King OF Fools
England? to for at of opt4 the Governor of Texas
inside a specific building IN the dorms
There was a fire _____ the library yesterday. of in to for opt2 IN the Amigo Inn
fixed expression. Ashamed of. Opposite is
I am ashamed _____ myself. of to by for opt1 proud of.
A tunnel is like a long tube, so something travels
The train travels _____ the tunnel at 90 miles per hour. with across through for opt3 THROUGH it.
area IN the middle of the room IN the
There was a body lying _____ the middle of the road. on at to in opt4 middle of the hall
made of made from made with made out of
If you want to use "made by," it's passive: made
This cake is made _____ eggs, butter, milk, chocolate by a person…made by using ingredients or
and nuts. of by in to opt1 utensils.
The children are playing _____ the backyard. at with in to opt3 It's a place with a perimeter or border.
 You can cook things IN or WITH butter, oil,
I can't eat anything fried _____ butter. in to for on opt1 margarine….
This sketch of my mother was made completely ____
memory. from to of in opt1 FROM memory also - BY MEMORY
I went to Houston _____ the weekend. by to for with opt3 for a period of time…for two days…for 48 hours
We do things either with or without hesitation.
The paratroopers jumped out of the plane _____ The paratroopers are not afraid, so they do it
hesitation. for by without under opt3 WITHOUT hesitation.
When I neared home, I could see that my neighbor's
house was _____ fire. in on to at opt2 fixed expression ON fire
There is no one _____ the world who can help you It's a place. IN the world INI the universe IN
now. in to of with opt1 the solar system
Hurry up! We will wait _____ you here. from for of to opt2 You WAIT FOR someone or something.
The test will start _____ 0745. in at on since opt2 Exact times take AT.
There were five passengers _____ the car when it got
hit by the train. to of onto in opt4 We are IN a car.
He was born _____ New York City. of in to with opt2 IN a city.
He was born ______ 1982. at since in to opt3 A year by itself takes IN.
When you give the starting point for measuring
time, we use SINCE, especially with PRESENT
Mr. Jones has been my teacher _____ Oct 24. during for at since opt4 PERFECT VERBS.
Please listen carefully _____ the instructions. to at on with opt1 We LISTEN TO something.
The water will pass UNDER the bridge under
The river runs _____ the old bridge. in over above under opt4 normal conditions.

The dog jumped _____ the bed with his muddy paws. under on of with opt2 You can JUMP ON a higher surface.
Thanksgiving is always celebrated _____ November. at in on since opt2 A month by itself takes IN.
The pictures are touching the surface of the wall,
My son drew pictures _____ the wall of his bedroom. on in at to opt1 so they are ON the wall.
He is staying _____ the Hilton Hotel. on to at of opt3 You stay AT a place.
You hear FROM people when you get any kind of
I have not heard _____ from family lately. to from over with opt2 letter, phone call, e-mail….

You GO TO a school. BUT: You ATTEND (no

He wants to go _____ school in London. to at with by opt1 preposition) a college or university or school.
ON BOARD is a phrase meaning inside a larger
All of the passengers are ____ board the plane now. in at with on opt4 vehicle like a plane, train, bus, ship.
The teacher divided the candy ______ all the students Remember: BETWEEN is for TWO things.
of the class. between with to among opt4 AMONG is for more than TWO.
Since this is a reference to ONE SPECIFIC DAY, it
It was ____ a cool evening in late June that I first met requires the preposition ON. This is a poetic-
him. on in at with opt1 sounding way of identifying one specific day.
"Sub" is a prefix meaning "under," so it follows
A submarine is designed to function _____ the water that a submarine can function UNDER the surface
for long periods of time. under above during between opt1 of the water.
 From one side to the other involves THROUGH.
SEE THROUGH the fog. SEE THROUGH the
That window is so dirty that I can't see _____ it. through over to for opt1 dirty windshield.
Lt. Tdwazjkskwxz comes _____ a small country called
Dramamania. at around from for opt3 You COME FROM a certain place.
This turns out to be a TIME question, so it is
AFTER class, as opposed to a PLACE
I always take a short nap _____ class. with after on to opt2 preposition, "I take a nap IN class."

When you have the total amount of time given,

I have been here at DLI _____ 8 weeks. since for with during opt2 use FOR in these PRESENT PERFECT structures.
We use WITH to indicate what method, tool, or
He was shot twice in the back _____ a Colt .45. with at in for opt1 instrument was used.
Water is composed _____ hydrogen and oxygen. by for in of opt4 fixed expression COMPOSED OF
fixed expression to be IN LOVE opposite:
I think Lt. Arroyo is ______ love again. of in at from opt2 to fall OUT OF LOVE with someone
You can GET INTO certain things: into trouble
He got ______ an argument with his neighbor. into of at on opt1 into an argument get into debt
A common pattern is NOUN + PREPOSITION +
NOUN for indicating things and the way they are
measured or counted. A pack OF cigarettes
a bottle OF wine a deck OF cards a glass
I want another cup _____ coffee. in to from of opt4 OF milk

Present perfect tense. When you have only the

I have been here at DLI _____ October of last year. since for at in opt1 starting point for your measurement, use SINCE.

When you give the total amount of time, you use

I have not seen a movie ____ five or six months. since before at for opt4 FOR, especially in PRESENT PERFECT sentences.
One thing combined WITH another thing or WITH
I like my coffee _____ milk and sugar. of to for with opt4 other things.
Cities take the preposition "in." I went to school
He was born _____ New York City. at of in to opt3 IN PARIS.
When you have an exact time for something, you
Class starts _____ 0730. in to of at opt4 use "AT." The movie ended AT *:45.
If you have the NUMBER and the street name, it
My parents live _____ 253 Oak Street. on in at to opt3 takes AT.
I graduated from college _____ 1994. in on of to opt1 The year by itself takes IN.
This exercise was written _____ Mr. Williams. to of at by opt4 Passive voice. The action is done BY someone.
My uncle lives _____ a farm. to for on in opt3 ON a farm. On base. On a reservation.
I would like to live ______ the country miles from the
nearest town. at in to on opt2 IN the country In the city In a town
We will have another ECL ______ Tuesday. in of for on opt4 A day by itself gets ON.
The students are waiting _____ the classroom. on with from in opt4 A room takes IN.
We will leave _____ noon. to at since on opt2 Specific exact time. At noon. At 12:00.
Americans celebrate Memorial Day _____ May. at on to in opt4 A month by itself takes IN.
I am not talking _____ you! I'm talking _____ Lt. Smith. of to on through opt2 You talk TO a person.
It would be IN or INSIDE a wallet. In a drawer.
Is your ID card _____ your wallet? at on in to opt3 In a closet. In a box.
I went there _____ 1996. in at of with opt1 A year by itself takes IN.
Lt. Smith passed out dead drunk _____ the sidewalk
near his car. in over on to opt3 ON the sidewalk. IN the street.
IN the street It's a place with marked borders.
The children are playing _____ the street again. in on up through opt1 An area with defined limits.
Class will start ______ 0730. on in to at opt4 specific time
I always take my big vacation _____ the summer. at with to during opt4 IN a season of the year
My car is parked ______ the red Toyota and the white We use "between" when we are taking about
Cadillac. under between on around opt2 TWO specific things.
When you have a specific day indicated by
He will graduate _____ July 23. in during of on opt4 NUMBER, you use ON.
In the world In space In your imagination
The Sears Tower is the tallest building _____ Chicago. to in by at opt2 In the universe
Don't laugh _____ other people's mistakes. at on to for opt1 We laugh AT things and people.
A cheetah is different _____ a lion. than from to of opt2 One thing is different FROM another thing.
I didn't understand what he said _____ me. of to at with opt2 We say something TO a person.
I am tired _____ studying prepositions. for of with to opt2 We say we are TIRED OF something.
In spite _____ the rain, we practiced for the parade. to with for of opt4 prepositional phrase IN SPITE OF
Please don't talk ______ someone else's speech. during since with at opt1 We TALK DURING an event.
I will meet you in Lab 4 _____ exactly 0736. in for at about opt3 Exact times need AT
I went ____ Egypt for a two-week vacation. at for of to opt4 You go TO a place.
My brother is _____ debt. He owes thousands of
dollars to some loan sharks. at in of to opt2 IN debt opposite OUT OF debt
SIT BY someone. You can sit BESIDE someone,
but the word BESIDES (with the "s" on the end)
does not mean NEXT TO. It means IN ADDITION
TO: Besides German and French, she can speak
I don't like to sit _____ Lt. Smith. besides by to at opt2 English.
You are IN BED when you have at least one of the
covers OVER you (a sheet, a blanket, a quilt).
You are ON the bed when you are lying on the
He stayed _____ bed all day. on in at along opt2 surface with no covering over you.
I lived in California _____ 13 months. since with for by opt3 Total amount of time is given. FOR
fixed expression You DISPOENSE WITH
We need to dispense _____ these exercises for now. with to of for opt1 something.
When will you retire _____ the military? with from at by opt2 We retire FROM a job.
fixed expression AGAINST THE LAW = illegal
What you did is _____ the law. over for against along opt3 WITHIN THE LAW = legal
You VOTE FOR or you VOTE AGAINST
I will not vote _____ him. to for of at opt2 something or somebody.
You can always rely ____ Lt. Smith to help you. on with for to opt1 two-word verb RELY ON = DEPEND ON
I want to ask you some questions _____ your family. of to during about opt4 You can ASK ABOUT a subject.
The teachers always gives too much homework _____
us. at with for to opt4 You GIVE something TO somebody.
Fixed expression to be CONVICTED OF
My neighbor was convicted _____ car theft. of by with to opt1 First, he was CHARGED WITH the crime.
Present perfect. Only the starting point is given.
I have been in the Army ______ 1993. during for since to opt3 USE SINCE.
Preposition of direction. You STARE AT
POINT AT LOOK AT A rhinoceros can
Don't stare _____ strangers. It's not polite. of at to about opt2 CHARGE AT you.
The number is given along with the street name.
The President lives _____ 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. on in to at opt4 Use AT.
Parts of the day take IN. IN the morning IN
the evening IN the afternoon BUT: AT
My mother likes to take long walks _____ the evening. of since in with opt3 NIGHT or DURING THE NIGHT
You should not walk alone in this neighborhood _____
night. at during from since opt1 IN the evening but AT night
That shelf is too high. You need to stand _____ a
chair to reach it. at under off on opt4 You stand ON something for added height.
Sign your name _____ block 21 at the bottom of this The block has a perimeter, so you put your
page. on in for to opt2 signature IN the block.
Take these pills _____ a glass of warm milk. at for to with opt4 Two items together.
part of the day IN the morning IN the
My father always takes a long nap _____ the afternoon. in at of with opt1 afternoon IN the evening
Don't sit with your elbows _____ the table. for in on with opt3 touching the surface only ON the table
The Titanic is lying two-and-a-half miles _____ the
surface of the water. above in with beneath opt4 BENEATH = UNDER = BELOW = UNDERNEATH
I want to talk to you _____ a few minutes. for with during since opt1 amount of time is given Use FOR
He blamed the accident _____ me. on to for of opt1 You BLAME something ON someone.
the medium, not the tool Write in pencil.
We have to photocopy this contract, so write your Write in crayon. Don't write in blood. BUT:
name _____ black ink, not blue. in of to by opt1 write WITH a pen Sign WITH a pencil.
We will provide him _____ a new dictionary if he has
lost his old one. to of with for opt3 You PROVOIDE someone WITH something.
The only one that conveys the idea of HIDING is
The cat is hiding _____ the bed. above with to under opt4 UNDER.
What is the reason _____ his failure? for to with by opt1 We would have a REASON FOR something.

A number can be BELOW or UNDER another

They will not qualify him because his ECL is still number. He can't buy alcohol; he's still UNDER
_____ 80. to behind with under opt4 21. I wish I could keep my weight BELOW 165.
TRICK QUESTION? The name of the street is
Fifth Avenue. The actual number of an address
is NOT given here. The best store is located AT
Some of the best stores in New York City are located 645 Fifth Avenue. The stores are on Fifth
_____ Fifth Avenue. at on to besides opt2 Avenue.
He is currently enrolled _____ a two-year college. in to for with opt1 You enroll IN a school.
We will talk to you _____ the supervisor's office. in to for with opt1 When you talk about a specific room, you use IN.
Abraham Lincoln was assassinated _____ John Wilkes
Booth in 1865. by of to for opt1 passive voice! An action IS DONE BY someone.
Last night, I slept _____ 9 hours. at during to for opt4 total amount of time
I think he has a knife _____ his pocket. in to of for opt1 IN a pocket IN a purse IN a drawer
You BORROW FROM someone. You can LOAN
May I borrow $300 ____ you? of to by from opt4 TO. You can LEND to.
This umbrella will not protect you _____ heavy rain. of with to from opt4 We PROTECT FROM
Two things linked together coffee WITH
cream salad WITH dressing ice cream
I ordered chicken _____ rice. of with for to opt2 WITH chocolate sauce
noun OF noun structure…for association
Queen OF England chief OF trainees
She is the supervisor _____ Unit 6. of with around across opt1 leader OF Delta Company
fixed expression You are GOOD AT something
I am very good _____ tennis. of at to for opt2 or BAD AT something.

I am not afraid _____ snakes. of to by with opt1 fixed expression to be AFRIAD OF something
time element BEFORE or AFTER doing
I always brush my teeth _____ going to bed. at during before under opt3 something
His party will be _____ Sunday. of to for on opt4 Day of the week by itself
I fell _____ the stairs. of down to for opt2 You FALL DOWN. You CLIMB UP something.
You GO TO school. GO TO WORK GO TO
I went _____ high school in Ponce. of to by with opt2 just about any place.
Their new business will be located _____ Lincoln Name of the street by itself. No address number
Street. at in on for opt3 given.

WITH indicates the weapon used. Cut the bread

He stabbed me _____ a dirty kitchen knife. at for by with opt4 WITH that clean knife, not WITH that dirty one.
We say ON BASE versus OFF BASE. Another
example would be ON a reservation versus OFF a
Do you live _____ base in the dorms? on at in to opt1 reservation.
The policeman showed his badge _____ me. to at by in opt1 You show something TO someone.
There was nothing _____ the envelope when I opened IN or INSIDE certain objects like envelopes,
it. inside of to about opt1 pockets, purses, wallets, drawers, boxes….
Children should walk _____ the sidewalks. in at above on opt4 ON the sidewalk
Children should not walk _____ the streets. at during in for opt3 IN the street
IN the shade IN direct sunlight IN a
Let's sit _____ the shade of that big tree over there. at with to in opt4 specific area
Cities take IN. So do countries, counties,
They honeymooned _____ Paris. in at of for opt1 towns….
I live _____ the third floor of the dorm, the smoking
floor. in on to of opt2 Something is ON a certain floor of a building.
fixed expression APPROVE OF
My father disapproves _____ most of my friends. at with to of opt4 DISAPPROVE OF
 You GO TO a place, so you can RIDE TO a place.
HITCHHIKE TO a place WALK or RUN TO a
May I ride _____ the airport with you? at in of to opt4 place
Something and the item of measurement used for
it. A cup OF tea a slice OF bread a
I want another glass _____ milk. for to with of opt4 bouquet OF flowers
two-word verb KEEP (clothing) ON
Why do you always keep your coat _____? at on in over opt2 opposite: TAKE (clothing) OFF
The contractors are going to tear _____ the old road The road is lying flat ON the ground, so you have
and replace it with a modern 4-lane one. down up over off opt2 to tear it UP.
I shudder _____ the thought of giving a speech at the
graduation dinner. to for at by opt3 fixed expression You shudder AT something.
His broken nose should not have a negative influence One thing can have an influence ON another
_____ his ability to swim in the final race. to in on with opt3 thing.
When do you think scientists will find a cure _____
cancer? to for with of opt2 fixed expression a CURE FOR something
noun OF noun structure a champion OF
He is an outspoken critic _____ his country's human rights a defender OF freedom
economic policies. at of to for opt2 a critic OF reforms
agent under suspicion BY the police
Why is he under investigation ______ the FBI? by to of in opt1 under surveillance BY the cops
_____ my opinion, we should not have classes on
Fridays. At In Of To opt2 fixed expression IN someone's opinion
He was a bad father, so the social services agency
took _____ his children. off away up under opt2 two-word verb TAKE AWAY = remove
You serve IN an organization. Serve IN the
He has served _____ the government for twenty years. to on in at opt3 Army serve IN the Peace Corps
You ask something OF someone. I need to ask a
Did you have the right to ask that question _____ him? of through by in opt1 favor OF you.
fixed expression You do something ON
I did it _____ purpose. in on at to opt2 purpose. = deliberately
The contractors are going to tear _____ the old The building is standing UP, so you have to tear
abandoned house. off up down over opt3 it DOWN.
IN time, not ON time. ON time suggests there
The paramedics arrived at the crash site _____ time to was an appointment. In time means they were
save dozens of victims. on in by at opt2 not too late to do something.
If I tell you a secret, will you promise to keep it _____
strictest confidence? at of in to opt3 fixed expression to keep IN confidence
Lt. Smith got a 98 _____ his last test. on in of at opt1 You achieve a score or get a grade ON a test.
He comes to school every day _____ an old He is sitting ON top of it. On a horse On a
motorcycle. on by in at opt1 bike On a camel On a motorcycle
method of transportation BY BIKE BY
HORSE but -- ON a bike on a horse
He comes to school every day _____ motorcycle. on by in at opt2 (Look for the article "A" or "AN.")
treatment You do something FOR a
What should I do _____ a sore throat? for of by in opt1 headache. Or ABOUT a COLD.
I found a great 3-bedroom apartment, so I'm going to You either live ON base or OFF base. So you
move _____ base. away off toward aboard opt2 would move OFF base.
Who is serving _____ the CO of that unit now? like with to as opt4 AS means "in the capacity of."
Neil Armstrong was the first earthling to walk _____ touching the surface ON the moon ON
the moon. in on to at opt2 the floor On the ground
You can give an activity FOR someone give
She gave a party _____ her class, all of whom enjoyed a party FOR me give a baby shower FOR my
themselves. to of for at opt3 sister
Divide these cookies ______ all twelve students in this
class. between to around among opt4 AMONG for more than two
I am feeling down _____ the dumps today. by to in with opt3 idiom IN the dumps, because it's a place
My unit will not be _____ the parade tomorrow. on in to of opt2 You are IN a parade.
My country has been involved _____ wars for most of fixed expression You are INVOLVED IN
this century. in to at of opt1 something.
The troops have been standing ______ parade rest for
20 minutes. at in for to opt1 stand AT ease AT attention AT parade rest
means of transportation ON foot BUT
He comes to class every morning _____ foot. on in at with opt1 BY CAR BY BICYCLE
I think I'll take a stab _____ learning French next idiom You take a stab AT doing something. =
semester. to at on of opt2 TRY to do something
What I am asking _____ you is that you be quiet You ASK something OF someone. What I'm
during other people's speeches. by of at with opt2 asking OF you is that you do your homework.
IN a chair (with arms) ON a chair (without
My mother is the lady seated _____ the blue sofa in arms) ON a sofa (because it's wide and you
the corner. in on to of opt2 might not be touching the arms of it).
fixed expression BEYOND HOPE BEYOND
I give up! You are _______ redemption! around across beyond over opt3 SALVATION
She is not supposed to do any heavy lifting because
she is now "_____ child." with by of near opt1 fixed expression WITH child means pregnant.
He found himself trapped BETWIXT a rock and a hard
place. beneath behind between beyond opt3 an old-fashioned word betwixt=-between
Last night, we dined _____ lobster and shrimp. on at to in opt1 dine on = to eat formal
You do something ON IMPULSE ON the spur of
I did it ______ the spur of the moment. at to on with opt3 the moment
I did it _____ accident. by to at on opt1 You do something BY accident.
It is difficult ______ me to speak in front of the class. to of at for opt4 Something is DIFFICULT or EASY FOR you.
I fell down when I was trying to run away _____ the pit
bull. at for from in opt3 phrasal verb to RUN AWAY FROM something
preposition of manner. HOW did he do
something? You can do something BY doing
something else. He survived BY drinking
He makes a living _____ recycling old newspaper and melted snow for 4 days. He excelled by
magazines. to by for against opt2 writing a brilliant essay.
noun OF noun structure EXCESS of
We have a certain lack _____ discipline in this unit. for with of at opt3 STUDENTS opposite LACK of STUDENTS
I was raised _____ the island of Santa Catalina. in on of to opt2 ON an island The island is IN the water.
 Here "ought not" in the main clause cannot
become "ought we" in the tag. You must
substitute the closest MODAL equivalent
("should"). However, if we had "ought" in the
should main clause, we could put "oughtn't" in the tag.
We ought not to cheat on a test, _____? ought we we do we will we opt2 We ought to go now, oughtn't we?

If you don't get a high score on the next ECL, you will will have are FUTURE "IF" CLAUSE. The word "next" indicates
_____ in trouble. will be getting gotten getting opt1 this. Something WILL happen….
REPORTED SPEECH. Main verb "promised" is
Last week, he promised me that he _____ attend was in the past, so the subsequent verb "will" must
yesterday's meeting. will going did would opt4 shift to past "would."
First action can be PAST PROGRESSIVE. One
thing WAS HAPPENING when another action
was HAPPENED (simple past) to change or alter
While I ______ for the bus, it started to rain. waiting wait was wait waiting opt4 things.
Certain adjectives of urgency require the
subjunctive (simple form) in a direct object
It is mandatory that Lt. Smith ____ in Col. Jones's have to
must to "THAT" clause. The teacher ordered that Joe do
office at 0730. be be be is opt1 extra homework.
is
symboliz symboliz symboliz symboliz Third person singular THE COLOR (IT)
The color red on the flag _____ blood. ing the e e es opt4 symbolizes PRESENT TENSE
had
While I was driving to work this morning, I ____ to my was was been Two actions happening simultaneously. Both
new Celine Dion Cassette. listen listen listening listening opt3 can be in the PAST PROGRESSIVE.
was "Nary" is a negative word. Put affirmative in the
Nary a drop of rain fell at the airport last night, _____? didn't it did it is there there opt2 tag.

"Sheep" can be singular or plural, but the word

Those sheep _____ lost. is was has been are opt4 "those" makes this usage PLURAL. THEY ARE….

In a "neither…nor" structure, if the two elements

Neither the boss nor the workers _____ working are singular and plural, make the verb agree with
tomorrow. is has to be are have opt3 the unit closer to it. The workers ARE
I am, aren't I? This is a strange structure, but
that's the way it is. You could also say "I am, am
I am scheduled for another ECL next week, _____? aren't I amn't I will I won't I opt1 I not?"
He didn't actually hit me, but he _____ at me twice with
a baseball bat. swing swang swung swinged opt3 irregular verb SWING SWUNG SWUNG
TAG question. YOU HAVE done something
HAVEN'T YOU? If you have a helping word in
haven't won't the main clause, repeat the helping word in the
You've lost your dictionary again, ______? you have you don't you you opt1 tag.
 would
would have
If I were you, I ______ call home tonight. will call call called call opt2 PRESENT UNREAL "IF" CLAUSE.
had
been are were will be Two actions in the past. The first action (in time)
By the time the firemen arrived, the flames ______ by extinguis extinguis extinguis extinguis can be PAST PERFECT. The subsequent action
the homeowner. hed hing h hing opt1 can be simple past.
has PASSIVE VOICE. The word "by" usually indicates
was been a passive structure. Active voice: Mr. Williams
This exercise ______ by Mr. Williams. is wrote writes written wrote opt3 wrote this exercise."
TAG question. Affirmative "can" in the main
clause takes negative "can't" in the tag. If you
doesn't have a modal or helping verb, repeat that modal
He can sing well, _____? he can he can't he does he opt3 or helping verb in the tag.
would FUTURE PERFECT. I have not graduated yet.
would will have am have But by the time I do graduate, something else
By the time I graduate, I ______ at least 12 ECL tests. take taken taking taken opt2 WILL HAVE already HAPPENED.
POLICE ARE It's plural. If you want singular,
The police _____ waiting for you in the supervisor's say POLICEMAN, POLICEWOMAN, POLICE
office. is was are has been opt3 OFFICER
This is a reduced clause. The man (who is)
The man _____ by the door is my uncle. sit sitted seats sitting opt4 sitting by the door….
You ought to go visit the Alamo. You ______ go visit "Ought to" is a modal that means "SHOULD."
the Alamo. should must have to would opt1 Advice…recommendation.
WISH clauses work like the "IF" clauses. This is
a present unreal situation. I wish something
WERE another way. It is not, but I WISH IT
I wish today _____ Saturday. is would be were was opt3 WERE.
The subject is "brother." Don't be confused by
the presence of "sons." That phrase is set off
My brother, but not his sons, _____ coming to visit me with commas and can be omitted. MY BROTHER
next week. are were has been is opt4 IS….
PASSIVE VOICE. Sometimes we use "GET"
instead of "BE" in our passive structures. The
first clause is in the past progressive, so the main
clause should be simple past. HE GOT….
got was was (passive) HE GOT ARRESTED. HE GOT
Because he was driving while intoxicated, Joe _____. arrested arrestarresting arrested opt1 PROMOTED. HE GOT ROBBED.
If Napoleon _____ more troops, he might not have lost were IF clause. Past unreal. If he had had
at Waterloo. had have were had had had having opt3 something….

Had I Was I Have I to If I was Reduced "if" clause. If I had been you…. Had I
______, I would not have gone to that disco last night. been you you be you you opt1 been you….

could could "IF" clause. PAST UNREAL because of

If you had been here yesterday, you _______ my wife. meet met will meet have met opt4 "yesterday."
 A past continuous action interrupted by a simple
We were just sitting down to dinner when the phone was past tense verb. One thing was happening when
_____. ring ringing rings rang opt4 something else happened.
______I to become a supervisor, I would probably not If I had A reduced "IF" clause. If I were to become….
enjoy it. Were If I was been Was opt1 Were I to become….
If Joe really _____ at the meeting (and two people said This is a PAST REAL. It is possible he was at the
they talked to him), I didn't see him there. were has been had been was opt4 meeting. This is not an UNREAL situation.
The fire alarm STARTED RINGING right in the middle went
of my speech. The bell _____. went off went out went up down opt1 To "go off" means to sound, explode, ring….

would This is a mixed structure "IF" clause. The time

not have words "last night" and "right now" control it, so
If I had not eaten so much pizza last night, I ________ would will not been that I "would not be" a certain way right now if
so sick right now. not be be am not being opt1 something HAD NOT HAPPENED last night.
The President can, it is widely believed, in no way, The phrase "in no way" makes the main clause
resolve this crisis soon, _______? can't he can he is it does he opt2 negative, so the tag must be affirmative.
My mother ______ down the stairs three times this has has Irregular verb. FALL. Present perfect tense.
summer. has felt felled fallen have fall opt3 She has fallen down….
Make the verb agree with the simple subject
have "price," not with the object of the preposition
The price of cars ____ increasing. is are were been opt1 "cars." THE PRICE IS INCREASING.
be
When I was a child, I used to _____ cats. torturing tortured torture torture opt4 Here "used to" is followed by simple form.
"Would study" means this structure is the
PRESENT UNREAL among the "IF" clauses.
SUBJUNCTIVE!!! Use "were" even when the
have subject is I, HE, SHE, IT IF I WERE YOU…. I
If I _____ you, I would study more. was were am been opt2 am not you, so this is the PRESENT UNREAL.
It is my understanding that the subject the students in "The subject" is the simple subject of this
IDS enjoy the most _____ preposition usage. are were is am opt3 sentence. IT IS….
to stop stopped stops stop the
I finally got the dog _____. barking barking barking bark opt1 You GET somebody TO DO something. (infinitive)
Past progressive action interrupted by a simple
past tense. If "began" is a primary verb, the
secondary form can be either an infinitive or a
began began to begun begins gerund. IT BEGAN TO SNOW or IT BEGAN
We were putting up our tents when it _____. snow snow the snow snowing opt2 SNOWING.
You MAKE someone DO something. (simple
I made the children ______ outside. play to play played playing opt1 form)
This is a fixed structure. If need be. IF the
Someone might have to stay in the office until 1800 if NEED should BE for something, and we reduce it
_____. need be need needing needs opt1 to IF NEED BE.
I had the secretary ______ the letter five times before I
was satisfied. retyping retypes retype retyped opt3 You have a person DO something (simple form).
 IF clause present unreal I would do
would something. In this case, there is an extra modal
had have to (have to) thrown in. I would have to do
If I were the boss, I ______ you extra work. will give given give give opt3 something….
will be will be is
The bill ________ to you before the end of the month. sent sending sending sent opt1 future tense passive voice
You MAKE a phone call. Answer four is not
possible (even though you can GET a phone call),
My children ______ too many phone calls. do has make gets opt3 because "gets" would re
committe
did a d the suicided committe
The captured soldier ______. suicide suicide himself d suicide opt4 This is a fixed expression: to commit suicide
"Species" is either singular or plural depending
on context, and since the sentence starts out "A
A species of rare fish ____ on display at the Witte will be species," that means there is only one. A
Museum. is are being are to be opt1 species is….
If it Had A reduced "IF" clause. If it had not been for the
would Had it there no barking dogs…. We drop the "If" and reverse
____________ the barking dogs, we would not have If there not be not been been the subject and first auxiliary verb. HAD IT NOT
been alerted about the fire in our house. wasn't for for none of opt3 BEEN FOR something….
would
will have have
By this time tomorrow, I ______ at DLI for 72 hours. been will be been would be opt1 Future perfect tense
passive voice structure. His mother bore
(carried) him inside her body. He was born (by
He ________ in New York City in 1982. born is born borned was born opt4 his mother). Therefore, he WAS BORN.

will have
is were was been "Furniture" is a mass noun. Mass nouns take
All of the furniture ______ by the floodwaters. damage damage damaged damage opt3 singular verbs.
"KUDOS" is a mass noun (like the word "news").
Just because it ends in "s" does not make it a
Kudos _____ to anyone who can answer all of these plural count noun. The closest synonym would
questions correctly. go goes going are go opt2 be "praise."
Even though "dislikes" is negative in MEANING, it
does not make the entire clause negative, so the
She likes fish, doesn't she? Yes, but she dislikes won't doesn't clause is still considered affirmative, so the tag
beef, _____? does she don't she she she opt4 has to be negative.
no start no yet not the
not start the start the class yet Let's DO something. (simple form) This one is
Let's _______. class yet class yet class start opt1 negative. Let's NOT DO something.
We can use the present tense to indicate
FUTURE, especially with transportation. Third
is take taking person singular. Phrasal verb "take off" means
The plane _____ at 0900. take off takes off off off opt2 to leave or depart. The plane TAKES OFF
 Two actions in the past. One was a PAST
had was will be PROGRESSIVE, interrupted by the next one in the
I _____ a shower when the phone rang. taking was took taking taking opt3 SIMPLE PAST.
General statement about nature. PRESENT
TENSE. PLURAL SUBJECT. HORSES (THEY)
Horses _____ grass. eat eats are eat eating opt1 EAT….
I have to give a speech tomorrow. I ____ give a
speech. should must ought to might opt2 "HAVE TO" = "MUST." Modals
Third person plural PRESENT TENSE MY
Mr friends ______ in a different dorm. lives are live living live opt4 FRIENDS (THEY) LIVE
"Right now" requires the PRESENT TENSE when
we discuss a condition or state of something.
We _____ happy right now. are was am are been opt1 Irregular verb "be" WE ARE
After a MODAL, you use the SIMPLE FORM of the
Tomorrow, I will _____home. calling called call calls opt3 verb. I WILL DO something tomorrow.
are do the
answerin have answer AT THIS MOMENT requires present progressive.
At this moment, you _______ questions. answer g answer of opt2 You ARE DOING something.
"Last night" requires the past tense. Irregular
I ______ my homework last night. does do did done opt3 verb "do" I DID something
were Current state or condition. PRESENT TENSE.
My left leg ______. hurts hurted hurt is hurted opt1 Third person singular. MY LEG (IT) HURTS
PRESENT TENSE. Third person plural THE
The students _____ homework. are liking like likes does like opt2 STUDENTS (THEY) LIKE something
graduate will is "Next week" requires FUTURE TENSE. HE WILL
Pvt. Jones _____ next week. graduate d graduate graduate opt3 GRADUATE
"Now" needs the PRESENT TENSE here. First
I _____ to go home now! wants wanting am want want opt4 person singular. I WANT
Plural subject. Present tense. THESE BOOKS
These books _____ heavy. was is am are opt4 (THEY) ARE….\
were "Last night" requires the PAST TENSE. Irregular
We _____ a lot of songs at last night's party. sing was sing sang sung opt3 verb "to sing" WE SANG
"Last night" requires PAST TENSE. Irregular
I _____ a good movie last night. see will see saw was seen opt3 verb "see" I SAW something

A general truth about science, nature, or

geography is stated in the PRESENT TENSE.
Paris _____ the capital of France. is are is being were opt1 Third person singular of the "be" verb. PARIS IS
"Last night" requires PAST TENSE. HE DID
Lt. Smith _____ his homework last night. do has did did done opt3 something. Irregular verb "do"
Third person singular present tense. HE
My brother _____ in a bank. work working is work works opt4 WORKS there at this time.
Time words "last week" require PAST TENSE.
I _____ a new car last week. buy bought buyed was buy opt2 IRREGULAR VERB "to buy" I BOUGHT
are Time words "right now" require PRESENT
We ______ right now. studies are study studying studying opt3 PERFECT. WE ARE DOING something.
Dogs ______ to chase cats. likes are liking like liking opt3 Present tense. Plural subject. DOGS LIKE
have
We _____ to my brother's house tomorrow. will go are go went gone opt1 The time word "tomorrow" needs FUTURE TENSE.
You see and hear people "do" or "doing"
something, but in this case we can't put the verb
I saw the old man fatally _____ himself once through "shoot" in the "-ing" form because it was not a
the heart. shooting shot shoot shooted opt3 continuous act; it was instantaneous.
Steve and Joe ______ students. is was are been are opt4 Present tense. Plural subject. THEY ARE
"the number" = singular The number of
The number of students Stancovia _____ decreasing. have is are were opt2 students from Puerto Rico IS increasing.
A number of students _____ waiting to see the "a number" = plural A number of cars ARE
supervisor. are is has been was opt1 parked illegally near that fire hydrant.

John _____ to the store yesterday. goed going is go went opt4 Past tense. Third person singular. HE WENT….

will would will have Reduced "if" clause. Present unreal. If I were he
Were I he, I ___________ more at night. study studies study studied opt3 = Were I he.
"Right now" with weather and time takes simple
It _____ too hot to play soccer right now. is am are were opt1 PRESENT TENSE. IT IS
would
There ______ a series of bad accidents on Loop 410 have "A series" is singular. There was a series….
yesterday. is was has been been opt2 There were several series….
When I was a child, I _____ watch tv eight hours per was am used was To have done something in the past but not now,
day. used to used to to used to opt2 we can use the modal "used to."
PAST PERFECT. Two actions are in the past, one
clearly BEFORE the other. The earlier action can
be in the PAST PERFECT; the subsequent action
can be in the simple past. Put the ADVERB "not"
had not do not did no was not after the first helping verb. I HAD NOT DONE
I _____ English before I came to DLI. studied study study study opt1 something bef
Because of the rain, the Commandant _____ the would will
parade. cancel is cancel cancel cancel opt4 FUTURE. He hasn't done it yet. HE WILL DO it.
When you finally get back home, please _____ me a IMPERATIVE. A request. "You" is omitted from
postcard. to send send sent be sent opt2 the main clause.
Plural subject. Even if you don't know what
"siblings" are, you can pick the verb "like."
THEY LIKE something. Siblings are brothers
Siblings _____ to quarrel with each other. likes are like like are liking opt3 and sisters. "Joe doesn't have any siblings."
Two simple actions in the past, one after the
First, I ate breakfast; then, I _____ my family. call do call was call called opt4 other. Both are in the SIMPLE PAST.

I went to bed because I ____ tired. would be are were was opt4 "Went" shows that it is PAST TENSE. I WAS….
 Sometimes we can use PAST PROGRESSIVE to
indicate a continuous action in the past that was
was am changed or altered in some way by a subsequent
Before I came to DLI, I _______ English for 5 months. study study studied studying opt3 action in the simple past.
Advice. "Should" is a common modal when
would must to should would giving advice. If these questions are too easy,
If you are tired, you ______. rest rest rest have rest opt3 you SHOULD GO to a higher level.
will
After I graduate next week, I _____ to Alabama. am go will go going going opt2 "Next week" requires FUTURE. I WILL GO
"News" = singular, although it ends with an "s."
have Make the verb agree with "news," not with
The news about the storms _____ bad. is were are been opt1 "storms." THE NEWS IS….

will You are talking about something in the present.

That car _____ better than this one. look looks is look looking opt2 Third person singular. THAT CAR (IT) LOOKS….
Although ending in "s," the word "mumps" is
treated as a singular, especially when called "a
The mumps _____ a strange disease. were am are is opt4 disease."
will "Later tonight" requires FUTURE TENSE. I WILL
I ______ my homework later tonight. does doing have did will do opt4 DO something
"Police" = PLURAL THEY ARE THE POLICE
The police _____ here to arrest you. is was are has been opt3 ARE

am be will should "Right now" requires PRESENT PERFECT.

I _____ right now. studying studying study studied opt2 Subject "I" requires AM. I AM DOING something
would
have must "IF" clause. FUTURE. Simple present in the
If it rains tomorrow, I ______ home. will stay stay staying stayed opt1 "IF" clause…FUTURE in the main clause.
is We can express the FUTURE TENSE with the
graduati graduate graduati PRESENT PROGRESSIVE. Something IS
My friend _____ tomorrow. graduate ng d on opt2 HAPPENING tomorrow.
have Here, the "already" requires PRESENT PERFECT.
I _____ that movie already. see seen seed seen opt4 I HAVE DONE something already.
doesn't Tag question. Affirmative in the main clause
He likes Texas, _____? don't he he do he does he opt2 requires negative in the tag.

is have "Right now" requires PRESENT PROGRESSIVE.

Right now, the baby _____. sleep is sleep sleeping slept opt3 The baby IS DOING something.
"IF" clause. Present unreal. I do not have the
money, but IF I HAD IT…. A modal like "would"
would would requires SIMPLE FORM after it. I WOULD BUY
If I had a million dollars, I _____ a new car. will buy bought bought buy opt4 something.
 Sometimes a compound subject is treated as a
SINGULAR subject. BREAD AND WATER
HAM AND EGGS Notice "my favorite meal"
is singular. My favorite meal is rice and beans.
Rice and beans is my favorite meal. Chicken
Rice and beans _____ my favorite dish. is are will been am opt1 and rice is wha
Two simultaneous actions in the past. They are
While I was reading the paper, the children ______ have were occurring at the same time. PAST
outside. play played playing was play opt3 PROGRESSIVE for both.

to to hold to GOGGLES = protective eye coverings, used when

to stay protect his appear swimming, working with certain machinery, part
Why did Lt. Smith wear GOGGLES? warm his eyes pants up taller opt2 of a safety uniform in dangerous jobs
MAIMED = seriously wounded, perhaps the loss
severely of an arm or leg, perhaps with severe
After the accident, he was MAIMED. killed injured dead okay opt2 disfigurement (damage to the face)
The eight "arms" of the octopus are called
An octopus is so-named because it has eight _____. tentacles eyes ribs mouths opt1 TENTACLES.
If he broke his THUMB, where does he feel the most THUMB = one of the five fingers on the hand.
pain? his foot his head his toe his hand opt4 One of the "digits" on your hand.
on the
on this farther too far
The gym is located BEYOND the post office. side of side of beneath from opt2 BEYOND = past, on the far side of
SPRING CHICKEN = young (as young as a
chicken born during the most recent spring)
Always in the negative. NO spring chicken =
My aunt is no spring chicken. She is not ______. smart young popular rich opt2 NOT young

group of
There was a big CROWD at the restaurant last night. fire riot people meal opt3 CROWD = large group of people,
TIGHTWAD = stingy, miserly, doesn't want to
spend his money. (Wants to keep all of his paper
argumen money rolled in a tight wad, without ever having
He is a TIGHTWAD. He is _______. ugly stingy tative silly opt2 to spend any of it.)
wheneve as late
right r he eventuall as he PROMPTLY = right away, immediately, no delay,
Pvt. Jones has to report to the Captain PROMPTLY. away wants to y wants to opt1 as soon as possible
The torso is the trunk of your body, the main part
excluding the legs, arms, neck and head. The
Which of the following is not an organ located in the the brain is in the head; the other three are in the
torso of the human body? the liver kidner the brain the heart opt3 trunk or torso of the body.
prohibit
allow encoura him
His parents FORBID him to smoke or drive yet. They him to ge him from let him PROHIBIT = forbid, not allow, refuse to give
_____ it. do to do doing do opt3 permission to do something
 The knee is the joint in the middle of the leg, just
as the ELBOW is the joint in the middle of the
The KNEE is to the LEG as the ______ is to the ARM. wrist elbow ankle hip opt2 arm.
not
generou handsom STINGY = miserly = not generous = doesn't want
My brother is very STINGY. tall smart s e opt3 to help others
means
agricultu of
tourist ral transport
What is the main CROP of your country? site product city ation opt2 CROP = something grown for harvesting
DUCT = a tube, channel, or pipe for the passage
of liquids or air. What did the ancient Romans
Hot and cold air is conveyed through a _____. hook duct crank tablet opt2 use an AQUEDUCT for?
air-
conditio heating FURNACE = a large device designed to heat a
We need to get our FURNACE repaired. ner vehicle window device opt4 building.
entertain
That kind of problem really ANNOYS me. bothers pleases interests s opt1 ANNOY = bother = irritate = vex = make unhappy
STARE = to look at something or someone for a
Don't STARE AT him like that. talk to play with look at touch opt3 long period of time
POWDER = fine dust It can be legal medicine
(headache powders, foot powder, talcum powder,
thick shoe baby powder)…makeup (face powder) or
The police found a white POWDER in his suitcase. fine dust animal liquid polish opt1 DRUGS (cocaine, heroin)
escape FLEE = run away from = escape from FLEE
The villagers had to FLEE their homes. clean repair protect from opt4 FLED FLED
buy
things…
spend
Don't GRIPE so much. eat complain drink money opt2 GRIPE = complain = say negative things = kvetch
much
greatly too very extremel
The road is STEEP. inclined narrow wide y bumpy opt1 STEEP = greatly inclined…far from level
sour = bad = not good = gone bad (for milk)
unpleasa SOUR (for lemon or lime) means TART, TANGY,
The milk tastes SOUR. nt delicious sweet good opt1 "attacks" the tongue

young
unable and
I'm not DEAF. to hear immature helpless ignorant opt1 DEAF = cannot hear
an
more only a insufficie
than small nt ample = quite sufficient = a lot = enough =
We have AMPLE supplies for the next few months. enough no amount amount opt1 abundant
 have are
lost are loose
some worthles and FADE = losing the color, colorsa are not bright
His jeans are FADED. They ___________. are tight color s baggy opt2 like they used to be
INFLAMMABLE = will burn. IN- is not a negative
prefix here. It means the liquid is capable of
will not is going up IN FLAMES. The negative is
This liquid is INFLAMMABLE. It _______. burn. potable. is costly. will burn. opt4 NONFLAMMABLE.
We SPOTTED the enemy sniper at a sixteenth-floor TO SPOT = to see, to detect, to discern at a
window. detected drew shot sent opt1 distance
expense WAGES = salary = the money you earn from
His WAGES are not very high right now. hopes s salary duties opt3 working
FIB = to tell a lie, not tell the truth, a "little lie,"
He FIBBED when he said he had done his homework. laughed stuttered cried lied opt4 not a serious untruth
BROOM = a device used when you SWEEP an
What would you use to SWEEP the floor? a faucet a brake a coil a broom opt4 area
DENT = slight damage, especially to metal, when
If one car bumps into another one, it will leave _____. a dent a lap a shield a tray opt1 it is hit by something
intelligen dependa TRUSTWORTHY = deserves to be trusted,
My brother is not very TRUSTWORTHY. wealthy happy t ble opt4 dependable, reliable, you can TRUST him.
I need to buy some new SLACKS. socks trousers shirts glasses opt2 SLACKS = TROUSERS, good pants
small
little fallen soup pieces CRUMBS = small loose pieces of dry food like
He had CRUMBS all over his shirt and tie. pictures hairs stains of bread opt4 bread, cookies, pizza crust, crackers….

disagree forgets
receives s with learns importan two-word verb TO CATCH ON = to learn, to
Joe CATCHES ON really fast, doesn't he? the ball you things t details opt3 understand, to comprehend
Your TASK is to alphabetize all of these files. desire method reason job opt4 TASK = job, chore, duty, assignment
Don't SHOUT. run yell whisper shoot opt2 SHOUT = yell…in a very loud voice
rust = the reddish-brown (almost orange)
reddish- pinkish- oxidation that can form on metal when it's
What is the most common color of RUST? black brown purple white opt2 exposed to moisture.

The ECL will START at 0745. end conclude begin wind up opt3 start = begin = commence
heavy
light snowstor raging mild
There was a BLIZZARD last night. shower m flood breeze opt2 blizzard = a lot of snow driven by strong winds
An AISLE is a long narrow space between chairs,
usually in a theater, in a church, in an
You must keep the AISLE clear. surface walkway sofa fence opt2 auditorium….
We had to dig a TRENCH to drain off the standing long deep wide
water. ditch hole steep hill pond opt1 A TRENCH is a long narrow ditch
We found a FLAW in the structural design. insect error tool change opt2 A FLAW is a mistake, error, something wrong.
If he suffered a SKULL injury, where is the heaviest The SKULL is the round protective BONE area
damage? the head the foot thewrist the knee opt1 covering and protecting your BRAIN.
 STARVING means very hungry, to the point of
I am STARVING. hungry bored lonely angry opt1 weakness and collapse.

Congress is going to TRIM the budget. cut increase authorize approve opt1 TRIM is CUT. (The barber TRIMMED my hair.)
time for
socializi
A General's wife always has a lot of CLOUT. power duties money ng opt1 CLOUT = power, influence
BUNDLE = package, stack (usually tied neatly
I brought you a BUNDLE of newspapers. package lane tub dent opt1 with a rope or string)
requirem character backgro potential
What are the TRAITS of a good leader? ents istics unds rewards opt2 TRAITS = distinguishing characteristics
was
fell off a died in stabbed
died in mountai the dry with a
He DROWNED. He _______ water. n. desert. knife. opt1 DROWN = to die by suffocation in liquid
compete to account for = explain = give reasons for why
How can you ACCOUNT FOR his low test scores? endure with stand explain opt4 something is the way it is
The entire meal, including drinks and tip, AMOUNTED chipped got on took
TO $512. in came to with after opt2 AMOUNT TO =COME TO numerical totals
near the The SHIN is part of the leg, the front part between
near the on the backbon among the knee and the foot. Do not confuse it with
Where is your SHIN? mouth leg e the ribs opt2 CHIN, which is part of your face.
rapid quick slight steady
There was a SURGE in student enrollment. increase decrease change falling opt1 surge = a sudden, strong increase
borrowe
He SHATTERED the mirror. sold d hid broke opt4 to shatter is to break something, especially glass
The CORE is the centerof something. The core of
Don't eat the apple CORE. peel stem leaf center opt4 the earth is very hot.
I got DRENCHED last night as I was walking home
from the movies. soaked lost dizzy lonely opt1 DRENCHED means very very wet…saturated.

The KNUCKLES are joints in your fingers. Have

in your in your in your in your you ever been socked in the jaw by someone who
Where are your KNOCKLES located? fingers ears eyes lungs opt1 was wearing BRASS KNUCKLES?
injured poked chipped
his out his his front hurt his LAME means walking with difficulty because of
Why is Joe LAME? He________ ankle. eye. teeth. fingers. opt1 problems with a leg, a foot, an ankle, the toes.
dead
comrade food LOOT is something valuable--money, treasure,
The pirates buried their LOOT. s weapons treasure supply opt3 jewels, gold, etc.
The bow is the front end of a ship. Rear and aft
refer to the back part of a ship. The galley is the
The Captain is standing at the BOW of the ship. rear aft galley front end opt4 kitchen of a ship.
small
dead spilled pieces SPINTERS are very small pieces of wood, created
The floor is covered with SPLINTERS. water flowers food of wood opt4 when you are whittling, sawing, chopping….
 HOIST is to raise something up in the air. You
It's time to HOIST the flag. lower replace raise repair opt3 HOIST a flag. A crane can HOIST cargo.
dangero
It is RISKY to do that. safe wise proper us opt4 risky = dangerous = hazardous = unsafe
interesti frighteni ERRATIC = not consistent, changing wildly and
His behavior has been rather ERRATIC lately. polite ng irregular ng opt3 quickly
He INJURED his left ankle. cured hurt repaired x-rayed opt2 INJURE = to hurt
loaned borrowe ordered threw SEND FOR = to order something through the mail
I SENT FOR Mariah Carey's new CD. out d by mail out opt3 system

MUSTARD = a yellow "sauce" that we sometimes

What is the usual color of most MUSTARD? white red blue yellow opt4 put on our hamburgers and hot dogs
DEFY = oppose, refuse to obey, go against the
Some children openly DEFY their parents. support resemble oppose love opt3 orders of
has a
falls intorises as good
increase
That's the way the cookie CRUMBLES. pieces it bakes flavor
s in price opt1 CRUMBLE = to fall into little pieces
He is old, YET he is healthy. but and so for opt1 YET = but, however, still, on the other hand
understa TAKE IN = understand, absorb in the brain,
I cannot TAKE IN all this information at once. say nd translate transmit opt2 comprehend
I cannot STRESS how important vocabulary is on the understa emphasi
ECL test. nd explain ze agree opt3 STRESS = emphasize, highlight
campaig do
n for exercise loan argue RUN FOR = to try to win a political office or
My brother is going to RUN FOR mayor next year. office with money to about opt1 position
approve
He REJECTED my offer. accepted refused repeated d of opt2 REJECT = REFUSE, turn down, say "no" to
confiden PERPLEXED = confused, not understanding,
I'm very PERPLEXED about tomorrow's assignments. t certain happy confused opt4 baffled, needing an explanation
I I
disliked I loathed thought
the the it was I liked it TERRIBLY = AWFULLY, extremely, quite, very
The movie was TERRIBLY GOOD. movie. movie. awful. a lot. opt4 (The key word here is "good," not "terrible.")
SCENERY = scenes of natural, expecially the
natural sporting shoppin mountains and trees, hills and vast skies, rocks,
The SCENERY in Northern California is beautiful. views theaters arenas g centers opt1 all the colors grouped like a picture.
don't can't can't
I'm very FOND OF chocolate ice cream. I ______. like it love it afford it stand it opt2 FOND OF = love something like it a lot
sudden, long,
unexpect slow, calm, comforta ABRUPT =very quick, fast, unexpected,
The taxi made an ABRUPT stop. ed steady easy ble opt1 discomforting

Which of these is not an animal? a deer a rabbit a wrench a bear opt3 A WRENCH is a tool for tightening and loosening.
Which of these would not be a good beverage for orange GASOLINE is fuel. Beverages are liquids you
breakfast? juice milk coffee gasoline opt4 drink.
 TIED = to be even, to be the same. The score
undeter inconseq was TIED at 2-2. His home run in the eleventh
The score was TIED at the end of regulation time. lopsided mined even uential opt3 inning finally broke the 3-3 tie.
It
It condens
What does water do a 212 degrees Fahrenheit? It thaws. freezes. It boils. es. opt3 Water boils at 212 degrees F (100 degrees C.).
correcte
He FLUNKED the test. wrote passed d failed opt4 FLUNK = fail…not pass
surrende DEFEAT = BEAT. The Green Team WON the
The Green Team DEFEATED the Orange Team. won lost beat red to opt3 game. They DEFEATED the other team.
He as ACNE all over his face. pimples hair freckles wrinkles opt1 ACNE = pimple, a skin condition, zits
HILARIOUS = funny, amusing, makes you laugh
I thought the movie was HILAARIOUS. too long boring funny sad opt3 out loud
and
to make people because
things are he did
He is leaving here FOR GOOD. better forever happy well opt2 FOR GOOD = forever, for always
transport
I hope you have the OPPORTUNITY to visit the Alamo. time chance money ation opt2 OPPORTUNITY = chance, occasion
uninform
I am PLEASED with the results of the test. happy ed unhappy angry opt1 PLEASED = happy, not angry, very satisfied
handcuff
The policeman CAUTIONED him about speeding. ticketed warned arrested ed opt2 CAUTION = WARN, verbal admonition
I look I I can't
forward I hate anticipat wait to DREAD = mixture of fear and hatred, strong
I DREAD going to the dentist. to it. going. e going. go. opt2 reluctance based on fear
stocks
land and and farm
My uncle deals in REAL ESTATE. minerals property bonds animals opt2 REAL ESTATE = land and property, buildings
a
helicopte HOVER = to stay in the air in one stationary place
Which of the following can HOVER? a train a taxi a missile r opt4 (for a while)
uncooke RAW = uncooked, not cooked at all rare =
I do not like RAW turnips. rare big d stale opt3 cooked a little bit
took a ignored
hit with picture met by complete
I RAN INTO an old friend of mine at Ingram Mall. my car of chance ly opt3 TO RUN INTO = MEET BY CHANCE
from
time to RARELY = SELDOM, not very often, only once in
I RARELY go to movies during the weekend. seldom usually time often opt1 a blue moon
let
fell out somethin fell DROP OFF = to fall asleep (while sitting up in a
I DROPPED OFF during the history lecture. of a chair died g fall asleep opt4 chair)
If you DOUBLE THE RADIUS of a circle, you get the circumfe
_______. rence curve tangent diameter opt4 RADIUS = half of the diameter
I want you to THINK OVER that job offer before you THINK OVER = consider, think about it seriously,
say "no." refuse forget accept consider opt4 don't refuse it yet
listen to sleep eat
private too harmful EAVESDROP = secretly listening in on someone
Don't EAVESDROP. shoplift talk much foods opt2 else's supposedly-private conversation
TRANSFER OWNSERSHIP = turn over, pass the
He will TRANSFER OWNERSHIP OF his business to turn legal ownership to, pass the responsibility to
his oldest son next month. down turn into turn over turn on opt3 someone else
discuss think
Let's TALK this OVER tomorrow. rewrite it veto it it about it opt3 TALK something OVER = discuss it
arguing
with explorin studying
playing each g the in their QUARREL = argue, verbal fighting, disagreeing
My kids are always QUARRELING. politely other yard rooms opt2 loudly
destroye repainte WRECK = destroy, ruin completely, can't be used
My brother WRECKED his car. d sold d loaned opt1 any more
looked brought carried REAR = raise a child, bring a child up, help a
He was REARED in Ponce by his grandparents. over up called up out opt2 child develop
We reached the SUMMIT of the mountain after 9 hours
of climbing. base peak side foothills opt2 SUMMIT = peak, highest point, the top point, apex
The Captain REPRIMANDED Lt. Jones during the called REPRIMAND = call down, scold, chew out, say
company formation. called up called off called on down opt4 very negative things to
expensiv COARSE = rough, not smooth, very grainy to the
This sandpaper is very COARSE. smooth e common rough opt4 touch
get bring
I cannot ACCEPT any additional duties at this time. take on across back stand by opt1 TAKE ON = accept, agree to perform extra work
light RIPE = mature, ready to be picked and eaten
What color should a RIPE STRAWBERRY be? white green red black opt3 STRAWBERRY = a red berry
Which of these best describes TIN? tasy useless metallic gaseous opt3 TIN = a light METAL
TUMBLE = to fall, sometimes rolling head over
He TUMBLED down the stairs. walked ran fell hiked opt3 heels
He CREATED an interesting game for his students to thought loooked
play. up tried on called for up opt1 THINK UP = create, invent, make up
What is the opposite of TIGHT? young cheap long loose opt4 TIGHT = not loose, too restricting, hard to move
He was very sick; THEREFORE, he couldn't compete THEREFORE = THUS, so, as a result, because of
in the race. yet however since thus opt4 this, consequently
We always STORE our sweaters and coats during the throw STORE = put away, put in storage, put out-of-
summer. take off put away out keep on opt2 sight, maybe in the closet or in a trunk
a huge a tiny
There was a TRACE of gunpowder on his finger. amount smell amoount a lot opt3 TRACE = a very small amount of somethikng
dead military
The police found a corpse behind the Rialto Theater. killer person person vehicle opt2 CORPSE = dead person, body (dead body)
learn at PICK UP = learn randomly, acquire, gain by being
Where did you PICK UP those bad words? select raise random spell opt3 exposed to